So your cousin proudly announced at Thanksgiving that he wants to run his first race after the New Year. Or maybe your mom has taken up daily morning runs on the gym treadmill. You now have the perfect reason to gift something running related that will excite your loved ones this holiday season. Fear not if you don’t know where to start, we have eight great ideas for you to wrap with a shiny bow.

1. Motivation: 5K or 10K Race Registration - $30-$70

If you relative has mentioned wanting to race, consider paying for her registration for a local 5K or 10K race. This will motivate her to reach her goal in the New Year and start the excitement leading up to race day. Our top suggestions: the St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K in March for a fun race and an epic after-party, the Sole of the City 10K in April for a longer challenge, or the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K in June for a girl power race.

2. Companionship: Coupon for a Buddy Run - FREE

Running is usually more fun with a partner or a group! If you are a runner yourself or are willing to give it a try, gift your loved one a coupon for a run together. Join them at the gym, or take off outside. Your new runner is sure to appreciate the effort and time spent together is always a valuable gift. This is also a great idea for kids to give to parents or relatives as it requires zero spending!

3. Encouragement: 5K or 10K Training Registration - $75-$85

Once your first-time runner has committed to running a race, she may need the support of a group and coach to reach the finish line healthy, happy and strong. A training group not only gives your runner the opportunity to run with a group twice a week, it means she will have a training plan to follow and a coach to ask questions. This is the perfect way for the beginner to get the boost they need from other runners and an experienced leader while making running through the colder months a whole lot more fun! Our top picks: Run Happy Revolution 5K Training or Sole of the City 10K Training.

4. Safety: The North Face Isotherm Jacket - $170

Make sure that your loved one is seen while she is on the run! A reflective jacket like this one is perfect for early morning or late evening runs when it gets dark outside. Plus, this piece will keep her warm and it’s a great outer layer to wear post-run while she runs errands or grabs lunch with friends. Check it out in black or spruce for women and black for men.

5. Warmth: Mizuno Breathe Thermo Tight - $70

If your beginner runner doesn’t have a warm bottom layer, this is a great pick for chilly winter runs. He will appreciate the heat generating technology in these Mizuno leggings that gets warmer as he sweats. The reflective detail at the bottom of the legs helps with visibility as well. He will be thanking you after his runs in cold temperatures. Shop men's or women's with blue, coral or silver reflective accents.

6. Protection: Under Armour No Breaks Gloves - $30

Every runner needs a good pair of gloves to keep her warm! This warm pair is comfortable and has a layer that will retain heat, an essential for outdoor activities this time of year. It’s also thin enough to be worn on the run. Plus, it’s small enough to stuff in a stocking!

7. All the Extras: Holiday Runner Pack - $65

Speaking of stocking stuffers, if you want to get a few different items for your favorite beginner runner, order one of our holiday runner packs before Dec. 18 for the perfect items to place in his stocking. All of these items will keep him warm, safe and entertained on every winter run! Shop men's or women's to order online.

8. Foundation: Gift Card to be fit for Running Shoes - $120-$160

When in doubt, go with a gift card. The most important item for a runner to have is shoes. We are here to walk her through our fit process to make sure she finds her perfect pair. A gift card grants her not only a pair of shoes but the experience of coming in and getting our expert advice. We love working with new runners and will make all her questions are answered and that she is ready to run healthy and happy! Order one here or visit us in-stores!

Lizzy is the Marketing Coordinator for Charm City Run and is currently training for spring half marathons. Previously she worked as a part time Sales Associate for two years in the Timonium store. Lizzy ran competitively as a member of the cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field teams at Towson High School and Marist College. She co-captained the Division I Marist women's cross country team in 2015 and graduated in 2016 with a degree in Communication and a concentration in Public Relations. Check out her personal blog at pepinurstep.com.

We hope that you find this blog to be a source of training tips, inspiration and community. Our goal is to create a place online for every runner to find the motivation they need to hit the pavement. If you'd like to be a guest contributor, please email us at blog@charmcityrun.com.